Atilano gained prominence in his role in weightlifting due to his association in with Zamboangueña Olympian Hidilyn Diaz after she won a silver medal in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016.

Mortera himself claimed the transfer of title during an interview yesterday.

As the newly appointed leader of the Philippine weightlifting team, Mortera is expected to lead the Philippine weightlifting team to Korea for its latest competition replacing Councilor Elbert Atilano as team manager.

Mortera himself is now preparing the weightlifting team to compete in the 2017 Asian Senior Cup and Interclub Weightlifting Championship in Yanggu, South Korea from October 28 to 30 this year.

Mortera will be travelling with Diaz who together with Allen Jayfrus A. Diaz, Tony Agustin and Greg Colonia, will serve as coach during the competition.

Among the members of the Philippine team who will compete are Margaret Colonia, Marry Flor Diaz and Maria Dessa Delosantos.

Mortera is serving as the Auditor of the Philippine Weightlifting Association’s Board of Trustees when he was reportedly tasked to lead the Philiippine Weightlifting team.

The Zamboanga delegation is scheduled to depart for Manila on October 25 and on to South Korea the following day. (Allen Abastillas)